Before I Go

In this episode Dani and Marion talk about Pulmonary Hypertension (PH), about the care Marion has received, about advocacy in our medical system. Lisa Kolkman, Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic at Vancouver General Hospital. She supported Marion’s sister, who had PH, and takes incredible care of Marion today, helping her and her family navigate this illness. Lisa talks with Dani and Marion about her role as an NP, sharing her insights into advocacy and its importance, as well as self-care techniques, and advice for families supporting a loved one. Thanks for listening. Please take care of yourselves and if you need to, make use of the resources listed on our podcast main page.

ABOUT LISA KOLKMAN:

Lisa Kolkman spent 13 years working as a registered nurse on inpatient units throughout Canada and the United States. Her training and certifications as an RN focused on neurology, neurosurgery, trauma and intensive care. She completed her Master of Nursing in 2012 at the University of British Columbia. Lisa joined the Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic as a Nurse Practitioner in 2012 and is the manager of the prostacyclin program for the province of BC and Yukon Territory.

She developed and continues to coordinate the genetic testing program for Familial PH, Idiopathic PAH and Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease. Lisa is a member of the Canadian Pulmonary Hypertension Registry Steering Committee and is responsible for overseeing the clinic's database. In addition to being a member of the Canadian Pulmonary Hypertension Professional Network since its inception and repeat member of the executive, Lisa is a regular contributor to the efforts of PHA Canada, the national patient advocacy association.

Episode-Relevant Links:

https://www.phacanada.ca/

https://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/nursing/advanced-nursing-practice/nurse-practitioners

*****CONTENT WARNING*****

Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support.

Mental Health Support Resources:

https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chat

NIHB Mental Health Services regional office

First Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.ca

MAiD Resources:

https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying

Centre for Education and Research on Aging

https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf

https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/

https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/

https://camapcanada.ca/

https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf

Grief & Loss Support Resources:

https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/

https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/

https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org

https://livingmyculture.ca/

Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027

Residential School Support Resources:

https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Families

https://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419

What is Before I Go?

ABOUT BEFORE I GO…Embracing the Journey of MAiD:

“Death is not an ending but a change of worlds.” Indigenous nations have a long history with ceremony and tradition around death. A member of the Gitxaala Nation in BC, Marion Brown has Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). PH is a chronic progressive condition that will, as with other members of her family, eventually take her life. And so, Marion has made the decision to use the MAiD program when she feels the time is appropriate. An experienced documentary producer and interviewer in her own right, Marion will turn the microphone around on herself. Along with family and many professional experts, she and her daughter Danielle will share this extraordinary journey with you.

By openly discussing the experience of choosing medical assisted dying through an Indigenous lens, along with wisdom and stories – about family & ancestors, history & trauma, healing & love – Marion and Dani hope that their journey will provide unique and thoughtful perspectives, encourage your own conversations with those close to you, and perhaps provide some comfort. After all, living & dying are the human experiences we all share. Join us bi-weekly for some of the most profound and thought-provoking conversations of a lifetime.